Following the recent local elections for Pembrokeshire County Council, the newly elected county councillors for each Saundersfoot ward presented reports to members of Saundersfoot Community Council at their recent meeting.

Clr. Alec Cormack who was elected as County Councillor for the Amroth and Saundersfoot North ward, said that it was his intention to do everything in his power to maximise the links and co-operation between Amroth and Saundersfoot communities, and it was his intention to attend both Community Council’s meetings.

“I have already been working very closely with Clr. Chris Williams in ‘the South’ ward. We have had several joint meetings already and will collaborate on matters across Saundersfoot.

Many issues were raised with me while campaigning, which I will follow up in the coming weeks in conjunction with Chris.”

The most pressing matters that he had been approached about were listed as - Overdevelopment of Saundersfoot in general and specifically infrastructure such as the capacity at doctors’ surgery; Parking for residents and visitors; Outline Plans to use North Close to access any future development at Penny Farm; Road safety on the Ridgeway (speed, overhanging hedges, potholes); Road Safety on Fan Road/Ridgeway/Valley Road/Incline Way intersection.

Clr. Chris Williams who was elected for Saundersfoot’s South ward said in his report that he’s had a busy first three weeks in his new role, but would like to point out that many residents were still unaware of the split between the North and South wards for the village.

“I’ve had a few queries, mainly from residents in Westfield Road regarding housing issues,” he said.

“The proposed development at Sandyhill Road as well as questions regarding dogs on Saundersfoot beach have also been raised. While all of these queries have been in Saundersfoot South I would like to point out that Alec and myself have been working closely together on issues that concern both north and south.

“One central issue has been the question of café culture on both the Strand and Cambrian Terrace. Alec and I decided to tackle this together as it was an issue that concerned us both. I visited every premise along Cambrian Terrace and had a good discussion with the owners.

“While the response was mixed I still took on board all the positives as well as the negatives. My personal opinion is that café culture is good for Saundersfoot, but it can’t be at the expense of parking spaces whether they are disabled ones, thirty minutes or loading bays.

“Another point I must stress is that currently some of the premises are shut from one to four days, due to staff shortages. Having extra tables outside will then have an impact on staff. If they are shut it is unacceptable to have road barriers 'in situ’ preventing both resident and tourist parking.

The village has lost disabled parking opposite the arcade as well as the ‘30 minute bays’ in the Regency Car Park to make way for electric charging points. I want to find a solution to the parking problems and will work extremely hard with Alec to do so.

“At this point I can’t support Café culture outside Cambrian Terrace,” he continued stating that he was meeting with PCC’s street care manager Marc Owen in June to discuss these issues, and with the intention of making sure there are enough disabled parking spots, along with 30 minute bays.

Clr. Williams also said that he would also speak with Mr. Owen regarding the lack of a loading bay on Milford Street and has asked highways to attend the meeting as well to explain their intentions for Saundersfoot.

“Finally Alec and myself have had positive discussions and intend to formulate a plan to look at increasing the parking options in the village,” he added.